How Meditation & Mindfulness Can Help Your Child with ADHD: A Pediatric Speech Therapist’s Ideas in NYC

From a neurodivergent affirming perspective, ADHD is now widely considered a learning difference to be supported. ADHD is not a learning disorder to be ‘cured’ or ‘fixed.’

An ADHD learner may process the world in unique and creative ways. As a pediatric speech therapist in NYC, I believe these strengths ought to be celebrated and harnessed with equally creative guidance and care.

Navigating Learning Differences with Compassion

ADHD learners are quickly processing a multitude of incoming visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic stimuli. This includes a myriad of internal ideas and thoughts within any given moment.

And guess what? That is totally acceptable!

It’s simply a different way of processing your environment and the world around you.

If you are a parent of a child or teenager who has been diagnosed with ADHD, please know that your child is not ‘damaged.’ They do not need to be ‘fixed.’ They simply learn and process the world around them differently, which are key points we explore in pediatric speech therapy in NYC.

As a pediatric speech therapist, I invite you to consider that mindfulness tools and short meditative moments may help to slow down your child’s thought patterns and provide better organization, structure, and focus to their lives, naturally!

One of the most effective ways to calm the nervous system and gain clarity and focus is first through the awareness of one’s thought patterns.

What is Mindfulness of Thoughts?

This can be achieved through a meditative practice called mindfulness of thoughts.

Here is a brief sample of a mindfulness of thoughts meditation I use with my students.

We begin by finding a comfortable seated position. Spine straight.
Closing or keeping the eyes open. Whichever feels comfortable.
Grounding into awareness of the breath.
Gently noticing the cool air on the inhale.
Noticing the warm air on the exhale.
Allowing the breath to softly wash over you.
Gently inhale and exhale through the nose with soft, closed lips.
If the mind wanders, softly notice the wandering mind.
Gently notice the bubbling thought with loving curiosity.

I invite you to label that thought with compassion.

For example, you might be thinking about a homework assignment.

I invite you to label that thought “planning” or “worrying.”
Next, I invite you, for a singular moment, to let that thought go.
Maybe place that thought on a ship to sail away, along the calm ocean waves.
Coming back to the anchor of the breath.
Feeling the belly rise and fall on each gentle inhale and exhale.
Allowing the rhythm of the breath to hold space
Permitting the rhythm of the breath to provide peace
Sitting for a moment in this singular moment of calm.
Closing the practice, I invite everyone to place a hand on their heart.
Breathing in peace, inwards to yourself.
Breathing out peace, outwards into the world.
May your light shine inwards and outwards into the world.

Namaste.

As we practice mindfulness of thoughts. I often invite my students to let go of each thought gently, while choosing creative pathways to release these overwhelming thoughts.

A Pediatric Speech Therapist’s Closing Remarks

And as we release the thoughts, I invite each student to gently bring their attention back to the breath.

Focusing on the subtle quality of the breath.

Savoring peace and calm in presence.

With consistent practice, these skills can be generalized to outside of ‘the sit.’

These meditation practices can result in increased self-regulation, focus, and calm within the home, classroom, community, and positively affect inter-personal relationships outwardly.

This inner work can lead to greater positive possibilities in the outer world as well.

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a speech therapist and meditation and mindfulness trained teacher. She currently provides meditation and mindfulness classes through hum studios, as part of her Chatty Child class offerings this summer.

If you are ready to experience meditation and mindfulness as a holistic practice for your child in a neurodivergent affirming way, and are ready to work with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, please reach out to us at info@chattychild.com.

Chatty Child’s speech and occupational therapists provide neurodivergent affirming care for all ages and abilities. We are ready to help your child and family thrive today!

To book a speech or occupational therapy assessment & treatment sessions with Chatty Child, please visit our website at: www.chattychild.com; email: info@chattychild.com; or call: 347 491 4451

Sincerely,

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP

Support Focus and Confidence with Pediatric Speech Therapy in NYC

Mindfulness can be a powerful tool in helping children with ADHD build focus, regulation, and confidence, especially when integrated into supportive, evidence-based therapy. At Chatty Child, our pediatric speech therapists in NYC offer compassionate care that meets your child exactly where they are.

Here’s how to get started with pediatric speech therapy in NYC:

Schedule a free 15-minute phone conversation to talk about your child’s needs and how we can support their growth with mindfulness-informed care.
Book a comprehensive evaluation to assess speech, language, and communication strengths and create a personalized therapy plan.
Begin individualized therapy sessions rooted in empathy, creativity, and connection, incorporating mindfulness strategies as appropriate.
See progress unfold beyond the session as your child builds tools to express themselves, focus with greater ease, and navigate daily life with growing confidence.

Other Services: Helping Kids Flourish, One Step at a Time

At Chatty Child, we go beyond speech therapy to offer a well-rounded set of services designed to nurture every part of your child’s development, while supporting caregivers every step of the way.

InterAct – An imaginative therapy approach combining storytelling, performance, and language-enriching activities to encourage expressive communication through creative play.
Occupational Therapy – Supports the development of fine motor coordination, sensory integration, and day-to-day independence.
Teletherapy – Convenient remote sessions in speech and occupational therapy for families throughout New York State.
Tutoring – Tailored academic help in literacy, writing, and creative thinking to enhance classroom confidence and curiosity.
Functional Nutrition – Nutrition support aimed at improving both emotional balance and physical health during critical growth periods.
Consulting – Expert collaboration with caregivers and professionals to ensure cohesive strategies across all areas of your child’s life.
Programs – Hands-on group experiences that inspire learning, build emotional insight, and foster connection through movement and play.

Together, we can support your child’s communication, confidence, and sense of self, inside and outside the therapy room.

Meet Heather: A Pediatric Speech Therapist in NYC

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a nationally certified, New York State licensed speech-language pathologist with 20+ years of experience in pediatric speech therapy. A certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, trauma-informed provider, and proudly neurodiverse and differently-abled individual, Heather brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to her work.

Her personal journey as a differently-abled person inspired her to found Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice rooted in compassion and tailored support. She’s also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book designed to promote confidence, curiosity, and connection, complete with a guide for parents and educators.

Heather leads a team that provides services both in-person at their Tribeca clinic and virtually across New York State, helping kids thrive in communication, confidence, and self-expression.

Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC

Creating Possibilities .. one child at a time ..

Chatty Child Provides Pediatric Speech & Occupational Therapy & Classes in Tribeca, Manhattan, NYC – In Person at 325 Broadway Suite 403 New York, NY 10007 & serving the entire state of New York including: NYC, Westchester, Hudson Valley, Long Island via online therapy in New York State.